I am in a similar position. I am in welding school, working on my own side projects at home (and eventually hope to take on some side work as my skills improve) and am in need of a better way to cut metal. I have a metabo cordless porta-band which is awesome for small stuff, but am currently using a 4.5 electric grinder for cutting anything i can't with the porta-band. I am working on designing a ladder rack for my truck, which will use 2x2x11ga tubing, and need a good way to cut 45s for fit up of everything. I am working with a pretty limited budget. Was looking into abrasive chop saw, but seeming like it will be in my best interest to just go the dry saw route? Especially as I want something that will allow me to grow into some and won't want to instantly be upgrading or getting something different. Is that evosaw380 the way to go?

My personal experience--Evolution 380 14in saw. Used an abrasive for years and had no idea how horrible it was until I got the Evolution!! A few moments of setup and you can make very accurate cuts consistently.No dust just chips that don't go far. If you are carefull the supplied blade gives excellent service .My original blade has been sharpened twice and the teck said if I don't get stupid probably 4-5 more at $20.00 a pop. I just built a utility trailer -cut every piece with new blade that was used prior a fair bit and the blade is still like new. The rage saw is a lighter version with a non releasable clamp- you have to thread each way and with a straight control handle. The 380 has the "D" handle which is nice for bench work. I looked at Dewalt but wasn't sold on the clamping system. It cuts fast and clean and very accurate. One thing that greatly helped accurate cuts is a twin thread movable adjustable roller stand I made that just sits on my cutting table which is very stable and allows for dead on accuracy. I just cut some 5inx1/4in flat on edge and was aprox. 1/64 from square!! Short story long--its a great saw!!

electrode, it's Milwaukee with a cast aluminum base. It's been a good chopper.

Thanks for the info. You must have bought it years ago because now even Milwaukee has switched to the stamped steel base like all the other brands. Mine works fine but I sure wanted the cast base. I can always make a base if I see the need I guess.

homeboy wrote:My personal experience--Evolution 380 14in saw. Used an abrasive for years and had no idea how horrible it was until I got the Evolution!! A few moments of setup and you can make very accurate cuts consistently.No dust just chips that don't go far. If you are carefull the supplied blade gives excellent service .My original blade has been sharpened twice and the teck said if I don't get stupid probably 4-5 more at $20.00 a pop. I just built a utility trailer -cut every piece with new blade that was used prior a fair bit and the blade is still like new. The rage saw is a lighter version with a non releasable clamp- you have to thread each way and with a straight control handle. The 380 has the "D" handle which is nice for bench work. I looked at Dewalt but wasn't sold on the clamping system. It cuts fast and clean and very accurate. One thing that greatly helped accurate cuts is a twin thread movable adjustable roller stand I made that just sits on my cutting table which is very stable and allows for dead on accuracy. I just cut some 5inx1/4in flat on edge and was aprox. 1/64 from square!! Short story long--its a great saw!!

I have a cheapy 4 x 6 band saw and a used Scotchman Cold Saw, the cold saw almost leaves a milled like finish but for what I do I don't need a edge like that plus the coolant is kind of a mess, I find myself using my bandsaw more than anything else. I thought about selling off the cold saw and getting a Ellis 1600 but my work area is small and would take up room that I currently don't have to spare. Those dry saws are nice, my brother has one and swears by it plus they are lite and compact, unlike the 700lb Scotchman! LOL